Video Games for 2011 Holidays

There are going to be several high-profile games coming out for a variety of platforms for the 2011 Holiday season, and I am going to split them up into some different genres to help give some gift ideas for the gaming enthusiast you know.

Action/Adventure Games

Batman: Arkham City - A great action adventure RPG that lets the gamer once again take up the mantle of the caped crusader. Anyone who is a comic book fan or even just a Batman fan in general will love this well polished game from developer Rocksteady. I highly recommend this game. Released on 10/18/2011 for Xbox360 and Ps3, and on 11/15/2011 for PC.

Uncharted 3 - Drake returns once again in Naughty Dog's latest Uncharted game. Follow the grizzled treasure hunter as he explores awesome new environments, engages enemies in fluid unarmed combat, as well as gunfights, and enjoy a deep rich story. A perfect fit for your gamer who loves a good action adventure romp with a little story thrown in. Released on 11/1/2011 for the PS3.

Sonic Generations - Those more in the mood for a light-hearted platforming adventure should check out the newest game Sonic game from SEGA. Gamers will play as SOnic the Hedgehog as he travels through a series of time holes and after meeting an older version of himself, set off to fix the timelines and save the world. A great game for even the younger members of the family, and maybe even the older ones will get a kick out of seeing a character they remember from twenty years ago. Released on 11/1/2011 for Xbox360, PS3, PC, and Nintendo 3DS.

Shooters

Gears of War 3 - In the latest 3rd person shooter from Epic Games, players once again fight against the horde of "Locust" and their attempt to wipe out the human race. A game packed with great environments, gameplay, story, and not to mention a fantastic online multiplayer system, Gear of War 3 will keeper many a gamer happy for many hours. Released on 9/20/2011 for the Xbox360.

Battlefield 3 - The newest game in EA's Battlefield series, Battlefield 3 is a shooter enthusiast's dream. A solid mix of great gameplay and beautiful graphics, BF3 will tantalize gamers senses with realistic war zones and combat scenarios. An extensive online multiplayer system provides hours of entertainment outside the campaign and definitely gives you bang for your buck. Released 10/25/11 for the Xbox360, PS3, and the PC.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - The latest in the juggernaut CoD series, Modern Warfare 3 is getting set up to be one of the best shooters ever made. Even with big competitors out there such as Gears of War 3 or Battlefield 3, Modern Warfare 3 is looking to take every down with one well placed shot. A polished graphic engine and newly designed multiplayer systems are causing a lot of buzz around this game, and many are already saying it's going to be the best selling game of 2011. This should be a hit with any shooter fan out there. Release set for 11/8/2011 for Xbox360, Ps3, PC, and the Wii.

Roleplaying Games

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - The fifth installment of the Elder Scrolls series, Skyrim transports players to a lavish medieval fantasy world and let them loose to do whatever their heart desires. Taking the role of a "dragon born", players can fight monsters (Yes even dragons!), craft gear, create spells, explore the large vibrant world, even own property. Any gamer who likes total emersion in a game with vast lore and RPG elements will love Skyrim. Release set for 11/11/2011 for PC, Xbox60, and PS3.

Star Wars: The Old Republic - On the massively multiplayer front, Bioware is set to release their newest addition to the Star Wars franchise. Set hundreds of years before the movies, players can take up the helm of Jedi, Sith, Bounty Hunters, Smugglers, Agents, and Troopers, as they travel through the planets of the Star Wars universe. Players can dabble in Crafting gear and consumables, Questing, Killing NPC controlled enemies, Player vs Player combat, control their own starship. and most of all enjoy the lavish story Bioware is setting to create. MMOs have become wildly popular over the last few years, and if you know a gamer who likes them, this would be an awesome gift to give. Release ser for 12/20/2011 for PC.